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Lunch hour becoming outdated

Published: October 3, 2016

The traditional one-hour lunch break is dying out in UK workplaces, according to new research.

A study by wellbeing provider Benenden found 41 per cent of employees do not get a lunch hour, with 59 per cent only managing to grab 30 minutes to eat.

The survey of 2,000 workers also discovered one in four eat their lunch at their desk, with 40 per cent believing they have too much work to do so they can’t spare 60 minutes for a break.

It also seems the sandwich is the main choice for lunch, with 59 per cent opting for the traditional lunch, while eight per cent prefer fast food options and 15 per cent pick cake to keep them going.

There were also regional differences in the survey results, with workers in the south east of England and East Anglia the least likely to take an hour for lunch.

Helen Smith, business development director at Benenden, said: “It’s widely recognised that workers need to ensure they take a break – whatever they are allowed – and get away from their desks. Not only from an eating lunch point of view and building up energy levels, but also to refresh the mind and have time to refocus on the afternoon ahead.

“Employers should also take their share of the blame. Workplaces vary in the amount of time given to employees for their lunch breaks and the traditional hour appears to be dying out. Employers should also ensure their workplace policies encourage a proper lunch break, whatever the length of time allowed.”